September 30, 2022 marks the 2nd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Truth & Reconciliation Day is a time to pause, reflect, learn and engage with community. It’s a day to honour the survivors and victims of the residential school system and reflect on the ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous Peoples. September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, created to honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada

WEAR ORANGE

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenousl ed grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous National Day for Truth and Reconciliation children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

Commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

ILLUMINATING PARLIAMENT HILL

To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to honour the Survivors, their families and communities, buildings across Canada will be illuminated in orange September 29 and/or September 30, from 7:00 pm to sunrise the next morning. This will include federal buildings such as the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEEK

This 5-day, bilingual educational event will include programming designed for students in grades 5 through 12 along with their teachers and feature Indigenous Elders, youth and Survivors. The event will be pre-recorded and webcasted, allowing for schools and classrooms participation from across the country and the involvement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION BROADCAST

A 1-hour bilingual primetime show in partnership with, and broadcast on, CBC/Radio-Canada and APTN will be devoted to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Programming will include presentations on the importance of this day as well as cultural and artistic performances in support of healing and giving voices to Indigenous peoples.

APTN SUNRISE CEREMONY APTN

will present pre-taped Sunrise ceremony featuring drummers, singers, Elders and various Indigenous traditions.